Assuring that the Punjab Police will leave no stone unturned to ensure free and fair elections in the state, Punjab Polices Special Director General of Police (Special DGP), Law and Order, Arpit Shukla on Friday appealed to the protesting people and parties to protest in a democratic manner if they wish to voice their opposition against any candidate or political party.   Shukla emphasized the importance of not taking the law into their own hands. As per the order of the Election Commission of India, every party and candidate has the equal right to campaign for votes, he said, after holding meetings with the IGP, DIG and SSPs of Faridkot and Ferozepur ranges to review the preparations for the Lok Sabha Elections-2024 and the security arrangements in this regard.   Faridkot Range Inspector General of Police (IGP) Gursharan Singh Sandhu, Ferozepur Range Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) RS Dhillon, Moga Deputy Commissioner Kulwant Singh and other senior officers were present in the meeting.   Shukla, talking to reporters, said that 80 per cent police force was being deployed in the border state to ensure free, fair, and peaceful conduct of the upcoming elections and to instill confidence among the general public as well as maintain law and order in sensitive and ultra-sensitive areas.   At least 272 more companies of central forces will reach the state soon. Already, 26 companies of central forces have been deployed in the State. A total of 298 companies will be deployed for Punjab elections, he said. Shukla added that Punjabs 10 districts are adjacent to different states, and a total of 220 inter-state checkpoints are being installed in all these districts in view of security.   He said that 3103 sensitive polling booths have been identified in Punjab. For which an adequate number of security forces will be deployed.  He also appealed to the people to cooperate with the Punjab Police to conduct these elections peacefully and transparently. Any complaint in this regard can be lodged on the helpline number issued by the Election Commission or on 112.  Immediate action will be taken by the police on the confirmed information, he added.    Earlier during the meeting stressing the need to create a positive atmosphere in the state, Special DGP directed all police officers to conduct professional policing and not allow anyone to disturb the peace and harmony of the state.   He ordered the officials to speed up the checking of vehicles coming and going into the state, especially commercial vehicles, to prevent the entry of drugs and illicit liquor into the state. He also directed the group of officials to make special efforts to nab the culprits involved in heinous crimes, drug trafficking, and looting, as well as speed up the investigation and prosecution of election-related crime cases.   Special DGP also informed the officials about the rules regarding the deployment of forces at general polling booths and critical and sensitive polling booths. He also informed the officials about the rules for providing security to the candidates.

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